Student Spotlight: Madison

My name is Madison; I’m 23, and I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I have three siblings, and I am currently living with my youngest sister in our own little house with our two cats, Levi and Harper. I have been working at Starbucks for nearly five years now, and I have learned so much.

When I was younger, I excelled in school and loved every moment of it, even crying if I had to miss a day of school and mess up my perfect attendance. But as I entered high school, there became a disconnect that eventually led me to leave; becoming a high school dropout brought on many negative thoughts about myself and my intelligence. After attending therapy and talking about my struggles with finishing my education, my therapist introduced me to The Literacy Alliance!

My experience at The Literacy Alliance has been nothing short of amazing and so fulfilling. I was so nervous to begin finishing my high school education. Still, everyone I’ve met here has been so helpful and understanding. I could genuinely tell everyone around me wanted me to succeed, which only fueled me to keep going.

“Now that I have obtained my HSE, I am way more confident in myself, my intelligence, and my future. I know I can do anything I set my mind to, now that I have overcome the obstacle I’ve faced since 2015.”

Now that I have obtained my HSE, I am way more confident in myself, my intelligence, and my future. I know I can do anything I set my mind to, now that I have overcome the obstacle I’ve faced since 2015. I can finally consider college as a realistic next step.

Even with the self-doubt I’ve lived with for years, I overcame my biggest fear. I am so grateful for everyone who has helped me get to this point and even more proud of MYSELF for sticking with it. You must believe in yourself even when you don’t think it’s possible… because anything is possible!

Madison completed her HSE exam in May of 2022. We know her future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!